In a contentious move, the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has announced plans to eliminate the reporting of non-crime hate incidents in England and Wales, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from disability advocates and researchers. They warn that this change could undermine the safety and rights of disabled individuals who often experience low-level abuse that doesn’t meet the threshold for criminal prosecution.
Controversial Decision
The Home Secretary’s declaration this week marks a significant shift in policing policy, as the category of non-crime hate incidents—defined as incidents perceived to be motivated by hostility towards certain characteristics such as race or disability—will no longer be recorded in its current form. This decision comes in the wake of police leaders branding the category as “not fit for purpose” following high-profile arrests of individuals for social media posts deemed offensive relating to race and gender.
Mahmood emphasises that police should concentrate on serious crimes rather than monitoring “perfectly legal tweets.” However, campaigners argue that this stance neglects the importance of documenting lower-level incidents that can escalate into more severe hate crimes.
Impact on Disabled Communities
Prof. Stephen Macdonald, a criminologist at Durham University, has expressed grave concerns over the implications of this decision for disabled individuals. He highlights that many disabled people encounter persistent, low-level abuse that, while not classified as a serious crime, creates a hostile living environment.
“Stopping the recording of non-crime hate incidents would be a disaster for disabled people,” he stated. “Hate crime is just the tip of the iceberg, while the day-to-day reality for many disabled individuals is often overlooked.” Macdonald’s research reveals that these incidents, which can include harassment from neighbours or aggressive behaviour in public spaces, represent systemic issues that require attention.
Stories from the Ground
Mark Brookes, campaigns advisor at Dimensions, an organisation supporting adults with learning disabilities, shared personal experiences that illustrate the pervasive nature of this abuse. He recounts an incident in which he was followed by a car, receiving derogatory slurs and having an egg thrown at him. Such experiences are not uncommon among those he works with.
Brookes has trained over 3,000 police officers to encourage people with learning disabilities to report hate crimes, emphasising that the aggregation of these lower-level incidents is crucial for understanding community safety. “It’s vital to record these incidents because they add up,” he asserted.
Louise Holden, senior policy officer for Inclusion London, echoed these sentiments, noting that only 1 in 10 hate crimes against disabled individuals are reported. She highlighted the inadequacy of investigations and the low conviction rates, leaving many victims without recourse to justice. “We mustn’t take away vital evidence; instead, we should strengthen the law,” Holden urged, advocating for the Law Commission’s recommendation to classify disability hate crime as an aggravated offence.
Diverging Approaches
In contrast to the proposed changes in England and Wales, Police Scotland has stated it will continue to record non-crime hate incidents. This approach aims to aid in monitoring community tensions and planning effectively for future needs.
As the Home Office faces scrutiny over this decision, advocates for disabled individuals continue to call for reforms that protect their rights and ensure their experiences are adequately documented and addressed.
Why it Matters
The decision to cease recording non-crime hate incidents poses significant risks to vulnerable communities, particularly disabled individuals who often endure harassment that goes unreported. This policy shift could lead to an erosion of essential data that informs effective policing and community support, ultimately jeopardising the safety and well-being of those most at risk of hate-related abuse. As the dialogue around policing and community safety evolves, it is imperative that the voices of the disabled community are heard and considered in shaping a more inclusive and protective framework.
